Press Releases

January 12, 2010 - Morton, IL:  Today, the Morton Economic Development Council recognized Katie VandenBerg as the 2010 Morton Venture Award Winner during their Annual Investor Appreciation Luncheon at the Ashland House in Morton.  VandenBerg, owner of Eli's Coffee Shop on Jefferson Street in Morton is a young entrepreneur with a successful and growing enterprise in Morton's downtown district.

January 4, 2010 - Morton, IL - At the Village Council Meeting today, Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton Economic  Development Council requested permission from the Morton Village Trustees to move forward with the establishment of a Business District in the commercial areas of Morton.  The district would include a ¼% increase in sales tax, making Morton’s sales tax 7% instead of 6.75%, and would generate approximately $400,000 per year for district improvements.

January 4, 2010 - Morton, IL - At the Village Council Meeting today, Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton Economic Development Council; Jeff Keach, Architect and Owner of Keach Architectural Designs; and Bruce Brown, Landscape Designer with The Farnsworth Group presented building façade and streetscape design options created by local designers for Morton’s downtown. 

“Morton’s Comprehensive Plan makes it clear that a renovation and upgrade of our downtown district is a priority to our citizens,” said Daly.  “These drawings are a first step to helping us create that new vision.”

The Morton Economic Development Council recently welcomed Morton Buildings as a new investor.  Morton Buildings has been a part of the Morton community for over 100 years. Founded in 1903 as the Interlocking Fence Company, Morton Buildings core function was to sell fencing by mail order to farmers. The business transitioned to machine storage buildings under the direction of Henry Getz and is consider today as  America’s leader in post-frame construction.

Jennifer Daly, CEO and Executive Director for the Morton Economic Development Council, was recently recognized by Peoria Magazine as one of their 40 Leaders Under 40.  "I am honored to serve the community of Morton and to be included in the 40 Leaders Under 40, a talented group that I admire," said Daly.  "I want to thank Mayor Norm Durflinger and the members of the Morton EDC Board of Directors for the nomination and Peoria Magazine for the regcognition."

The Morton Economic Development Council (Morton EDC) announced today that nomination forms for the Morton Venture Award, an award designed to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who have started and grown companies in the community, have been released.  “Entrepreneurship is a critical component of economic prosperity for any community,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC.  “We want to recognize the contribution these unique business owners make to Morton.”

Article written by Maggie Overfelt for CNN
The last time we wrote about Peoria, investors had pledged nearly $2 billion toward renewable energy ventures, and city officials were launching government-funded programs to help foster green growth.

Yesterday, the Morton EDC hosted a special reception to give lead investors the opportunity to meet the owners of the new Morton company Millennia.  The event was held at Deb and Brad Braker's Pool House.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Our special thanks to Deb and Brad Braker for their warm hospitality! 

July 6, 2009 - Morton, IL - Today, the Morton Economic Development Council met with Morton Village Trustees to present a "One Year in Review" for their organization.  The presentation included a lengthy list of accomplishments including engagement with 55 business clients, recruitment of two new employers to Morton, and the creation of 47 new jobs.  "The first year for any new organization tends to be consumed with the creation of organizational structure and planning," said Daly.  "We have been able to accomplish some tangible results for our community and our inv

In April, the LAUNCH Business Plan Competition was unveiled and today we are proud to announce we have over $3000 in cash and prizes to award a new small business owner in Central Illinois.